In the early 1980s, when NASA researchers were looking for ways to purify the air inside the space pods of the future, they didn't just look to engineer a pricey, high-tech filtering system. They also turned to the humble houseplant. As the months grow colder and darker, driving you indoors, take a cue from NASA and put your plants to work absorbing the air pollutants lurking in your home or office. O asked Bill Wolverton, PhD, who helped pioneer the NASA studies, to select a trio of potted powerhouses. (For freshest results, Wolverton recommends covering soil with a one-inch layer of pebbles or decorative gravel, which cuts the risk of mold and bacteria.)

1. Palms (bamboo, lady, and areca varieties): Palms not only are top performers in removing airborne toxins but can add up to a liter of moisture to the air per day—perfect for counteracting the desert-dry effects of indoor heating systems.